MIKAEL PROVES WHY HE'S SUCH A BIG DEAL

French striker hits winner just days after new contract

- Taylor Murray

St Mirren looked good and looked fine and had Mikael Mandron on their mind as the French forward celebrated signing a new deal with a second-half winner.

Manfred Mann's sixties hit 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy' has been reworked by the black-and-white army in honour of the 30-year-old striker.

And it was Mandron who popped up at the SMISA Stadium on Saturday as the Buddies sank Aberdeen for the third time this season.

The European dream is very much alive after this narrow success saw Saints close the gap on fifth-placed Dundee United to five points after Jim Goodwin's men lost 3-1 to Hibernian at Easter Road.

Stephen Robinson's troops go to Tannadice next weekend looking for a first goal against the Tangerines never mind a first win.

But if they do chalk up victory after four straight defeats at the hands of United in league and cup, the final few days of the season will be thrilling.

Against the Dons, it was a frustrating start for Saints who were under the cosh from the start as the firedup visitors continued their assault on third spot in the Premiership standings.

In the fifth minute, Leighton Clarkson whipped in a ball that found the Ante Palaversa at the back post.